Franco Sarto Women’s Bocca2 Slip-On Loafer

Really a nice, classic shoe.
I’ve wanted these loafers for SO long, and I finally bit the bullet and bought TWO pairs. Way back when I first saw them, I think they were considerably more expensive, and it just seemed like there was always something else that took priority. Now, at a much better price, I’m so glad I finally got them. They’re a true classic … look really good with tights and a knee-length, straight skirt, by the way. I first bought a 10.5M (I normally wear a 10M), based on reviews, deciding to err on the side of caution. However, I ended up exchanging for my normal size, and they fit perfectly. For your reference, I have a very high arch, a somewhat narrow heel and somewhat wide forefoot. Also for your reference, if you’ve seen the high-heeled version of this shoe (that’s my description, not theirs), which I believe is called the “Nolan,” that shoe was way too narrow for me in my regular width. This one isn’t. I wish I’d been on the ball soon enough to get these in the brown, too. As for the comfort, they do have a padded bottom, not overly padded, but not so thin you feel like you’re walking around on cardboard. I don’t feel a lot of arch support in there, but they are comfortable nonetheless, so there must be SOMETHING in there. I can wear them all day long, no problem.

Mehhhhh. Just okay.
As many people reported, the right shoe is a full half-size smaller than the other. It just happens that most of us have feet that vary a half-size, too. So the people who have feet mirroring the shoes are happy, and the others are asking, “WTF?” I’m not talking about how they feel; I’m talking about placing them sole to sole or side-by-side, and seeing the extra length.I have wide feet, truly a 6.5 D and even, sometimes, 6 EE. You can’t really find those, so I usually order a 1/2-1.0 size up, to 7D (usually that’s a 7D) or 7.5 C-B These are 7W, which is indeed only a “C”, not a “D”. They fit okay because my left foot is the one that’s almost a half-size bigger. I can’t say which one of these shoes is really the 7W shoe of the pair, or, therefore whether that one is true to size!They are comfortable, but nothing like a walking shoe,or other sport shoe. Compared to cushion-less, pointy-toed flats, or even low pumps, they are a dream, but I wouldn’t wear them for long walks on hard pavement, unless you’re young enough to have major fat pads on the bottom of your feet–say, under age 30.The wides aren’t loose enough to allow an added insole, so unless you have very narrow feet and can buy the wides specifically to leave room to add a cushion, they won’t work.Lastly, I purchased a pair of dark Navy blue ones from someone who bought two colors, and then never wore the blue. They were made in Brazil, and that supposedly means they were the much-mourned “old quality”. Having shoe models drop drastically in quality over years, with cheaper materials and so on, is a very real problem. But I can say that the quality of the Brazil shoe I have is no better, if you mean thickness and sturdiness of the leather, stitching, sole, or insole.The “Brazil quality” are a little more squared-off and roomier in the very tip of the toe box, and the “last” (straightness vs. c-shaped curve of the sole) is more curved or offset in the “old” ones. For many people with wide feet, a curved last is bad; it means the width is useless because your feet get squished into one side of the “C” and the big-toe half of the toe box is practically empty.So there is more room in the 7.5B “Brazil” toe area than in the 7W version, and yet both are not really wide in the toe. That’s because the shoe tapers TOP TO BOTTOM sooner than most shoes do, and the “B” or “W” is only for side-to-side width. Those of you who complained they ordered a 1/2 size up and still felt their toes jammed; this is why. They do it to skimp on leather, or give a sleek, tapered side profile, and its the opposite of the “added depth” that are the hallmark of “comfort shoes”, diabetic walking shoes, etc.Overall, it’s an attractive shoe, decent quality, classic style. a GOOD BUY FOR THE PRICE in the 40s. The leather is too thin for these to hold their shape and avoid crimping and twisting, long-term, though; it’s not like you’re buying Birkenstock or Panama Jack. (Yeah, yeah; I know these are dress shoes, but still…the leather is THIN.) That’s the other reason why you might not want to do a lot of long sweaty miles in them…moisutre and twisting/ stretching =lumpy, creased shoes.So nothing to weep about if you’ve been pining for a first or replacement pair, and they’re sold out. I was expecting more.FYI: The solid old navy (not brush-off blue), if they come back on the market, are so dark that they look like a flat black or very dark grey, rather than deep blue.

Not for bunions
Shoes look very nice but fit was poor for bunions. Ordered 10 W and it was too loose in the heel, but still too snug in the toe box. Had to return.

comfort, fit, style
Update 12/7/18: I wore them for 4 hours shopping (with maxi length denim skirt and t shirt they are cute and not frumpy). I felt good in them but the last hour my feet hurt a little. Going home I took them off while driving, something I very rarely need to do. My feet actually ached so I am not sure if it is just getting used to them, or if they fit OK but wear not so well. If I send them back I will update again as to details.12/2/18: I love this shoe, I do I do!! I found nothing to whine about! First off, it feels a bit like walking on a bed of marshmallows or sponges out of the box but that was OK and I got accustomed to it quickly. Secondly, my instep didn’t feel confined, and my arch did not feel abandoned. Thirdly, the pictures made it look (to me at any rate) as if the toe box was wide, as if it flares out ala’ the old earth shoe style or some NAOT. I am pleased that it conforms nicely to the rest of the shoe’s shape in that it does not look too wide at the toes, and in fact this loafer has a lean, narrow appeal. It also feels great – they left enough room for my toes AND a pair of socks! In fact, if you don’t wear any socks with your loafers, it MAY run 1/2 size to the large. Lastly, the leather and the finish is perfect, the heel height just right.

I was really pleased with these. Originally I thought to buy size 7 and only bought 7.5 as that was all that was left. But I am glad to have the extra room in them after all. The show fits closely over the top of the foot.

Me encantaron estan elegantes clasicos y la talla adecuada